Safe Medicine Shipping from India: Tips, Customs & Packing Guide

Shipping medicines from India to international destinations can be challenging due to strict customs rules, packaging requirements, and safety concerns. Whether it’s for personal use or a courier business like Singh International Xpress, proper handling and documentation are essential for smooth and secure delivery.

Here’s a complete guide on how to ship medicines abroad the right way.

✅ 1. Check Import Rules of the Destination Country

Each country has different import restrictions for medicines. For example:

• USA: Only allows FDA-approved medicines, even with a prescription.

• UK & Europe: Require valid prescriptions and sometimes limit quantity.

• Australia, Canada, NZ: Very strict on Ayurvedic, herbal, and OTC medicines.

🔍 Tip: Always verify if the medicine is allowed in the destination country before sending. Use government customs or health department websites to confirm.

✅ 2. Keep All Necessary Documentation Ready

For customs to approve the parcel, proper documentation must be included inside and outside the box.

You’ll need:

• Doctor’s prescription

• Invoice from an approved pharmacy

• A cover letter explaining the purpose (e.g., personal use, treatment abroad)

• Sender & recipient ID proof (if required)

• Receiver’s passport copy and ID proof (required)

📌 Pro Tip: Repeated or bulk shipments may need prior clearance or a valid import license.

✅ 3. Use Strong, Protective Packing to Avoid Damage

Medicines can be delicate and sensitive to external pressure or temperature during transit. Poor packing may lead to damaged or rejected shipments.

✅ Why Use a Rigid Medicine Packing Box?

• Prevents tablets or capsules from being pressed or crushed

• Protects blister strips, syrups, vials, or glass bottles

• Ensures better handling and clearance

• Maintains hygiene and prevents contamination

📦 Recommended Packing Steps:

1. Internal Protection:

   • Wrap all strips or bottles in bubble wrap

   • Use zip pouches for loose tablets or capsules

2. Use a Rigid Box:

   • Place medicines in a small corrugated cardboard box

   • Use foam or thermocol padding for fragile items

3. Outer Packaging:

   • Place the box into a durable courier-grade box

   • Seal with tamper-proof tape and moisture-resistant material

4. Label Clearly:

   • Print and paste the label:
     "Medicines – Personal Use Only – Handle with Care – Do Not Press"

✏️ Suggested Label Message:

💡 You may also include a photo of the medicine and the prescription inside the parcel for extra clarity during customs screening.

✅ 4. Honest & Accurate Customs Declaration

Don’t try to hide or mislabel your package. Always declare the parcel truthfully.

Your declaration should include:

• Name of the medicine

• Purpose (Personal Use)

• Quantity

• HS Code (e.g., 3004 for allopathic medicines)

• Value (in INR/USD)

🚫 Do Not:

• Write “documents” or “gift” to bypass checks

• Ship in large commercial quantities without a license

• Send restricted or banned substances

✅ 5. Choose a Reputable International Courier Service

For medicine shipments, always prefer trusted carriers like DHL, FedEx, Aramex, UPS, or a dedicated logistics partner like Singh International Xpress.

Look for:

• Real-time tracking

• Customs clearance support

• Temperature-controlled options (if needed)

• Fast delivery to avoid expiry risks

📞 Our service includes:

• Secure handling of medicine parcels

• Custom clearance documentation help

• Pickup from your location

✅ 6. Track & Communicate After Dispatch

Stay in touch with the recipient and monitor the shipment status regularly.

• Use AfterShip, WPCargo, or your courier’s tracking system

• Contact the local courier office in the destination country if any delay occurs

• Keep documents ready if customs requests further verification

✅ 7. If Parcel is Held at Destination Customs: Receiver Must Handle Clearance

Once the parcel reaches the destination country, the custom clearance is the sole responsibility of the receiver.

📌 Why?

• Local customs may need the recipient to provide a prescription, ID, or medical proof

• Some countries require the receiver to contact the customs office directly

• Only a resident or licensed receiver in that country can request clearance or appeal a hold

💬 Suggested Message to Add to Shipment Notification:

“If your medicine parcel is held at customs, clearance must be completed by the receiver. Please coordinate with your local customs office or courier helpline immediately for assistance.”

✅ Tip: Always inform your recipient in advance so they can act quickly in case customs contacts them.

✅ 8. Parcel Delays Due to Customs Are Beyond Sender’s Control

Even after proper documentation and packing, custom clearance delays may happen in the destination country. This is due to the import rules, random inspections, or additional verification required by customs authorities.

📌 Important Note:

Once the parcel is dispatched from India and enters international customs, Singh International Xpress or the sender is not responsible for any delays caused by destination country’s customs clearance process.

Reasons for delay may include:

• National holidays or strikes in the destination country

• Request for additional documents from the receiver

• Medicine verification by customs health departments

• Security checks or random parcel scans

📢 Suggested Message to Customer (in case of delay):

“Dear Customer, your parcel has been shipped successfully from India. However, we have been informed that there is a delay in customs clearance at the destination country. Please note, Singh International Xpress is not responsible for clearance delays or parcel holds caused by destination customs. We request you to kindly follow up with your local customs office or courier support for updates.”

✅ 9. Send Medicine Quantity for a Maximum of 3 Months Only

Most countries restrict the quantity of medicines imported for personal use to avoid commercial shipments and ensure safety.

📌 Why limit to 3 months?

• Prevents suspicion of resale or unauthorized distribution

• Complies with customs and health regulations globally

• Easier and faster clearance as personal medicine shipment

• Helps avoid seizure or parcel rejection

📢 Suggested Message to Include for Customers:

“Please note: To comply with international customs regulations, only a maximum of 3 months’ supply of medicine can be shipped per parcel. Shipments exceeding this quantity may face delays or rejection at customs.”

⚠️ Be Aware of Restricted or Banned Medicines

Commonly restricted or prohibited categories:

• Narcotics or controlled drugs

• High-dosage steroids or opioids

• Unapproved herbal or Ayurvedic items

• OTC drugs without prescriptions

🌐 Always check:

• FDA USA

• TGA Australia

• EMA Europe

🌍 Common Countries That Accept Medicine from India (with paperwork):

📝 Summary: DOs & DON’Ts

💼 Ship Safely with Singh International Xpress

We specialize in secure, fast, and compliant medicine courier from India to 200+ countries. From packing to paperwork, we handle everything for you.

📦 Services Offered:

• Proper medical box packing

• Free shipping consultation

• Customs declaration assistance

• WhatsApp customer support

📞 Contact: +91 96465 55322
🌐 Visit: www.singhxpress.com